Eels great: Don't risk Hindmarsh

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Parramatta says Nathan Hindmarsh, who had knee surgery only 21 days
ago, could face North Queensland.Photo: Getty Images

Don't risk Nathan Hindmarsh. That was Parramatta legend Brett
Kenny's warning after the Eels yesterday declared the injured Test
back-rower would be considered for tomorrow's National Rugby League
preliminary final.

And Kenny, who holds the record for most Eels games (265),
believes Parramatta coach Brian Smith should step down next season
despite his remarkable 2005 run.

The Eels caused a stir when they announced Hindmarsh, who had
knee surgery 21 days ago, had "completed all necessary training
requirements" and would be considered for the grand final qualifier
against North Queensland at Telstra Stadium.

Although Hindmarsh said on Thursday he had no chance of playing
and coach Smith admitted it would need a miracle, an Eels press
release yesterday said a final decision would be made on the
workaholic forward just before kick-off.

But Kenny said the Eels already had proved they could win
without Hindmarsh and should not risk further injury to the classy
back-rower.

"It would be disappointing to see him miss out on the final but
that could happen if something happens to him against the Cowboys,"
he said.

"You would think they should be favourites to win pretty
comfortably against the Cowboys without him, then hopefully have
him 100 per cent for the grand final.

"I think the game against the Broncos (in round 26) should have
proven to the players that they can win without him."

But Kenny dismissed yesterday's Eels statement on Hindmarsh as a
smokescreen from coach Smith. "I really don't think he would be 100
per cent to play, it's probably a beat-up," he said.

Kenny, who won four titles with Parramatta in the 1980s, also
believed Smith should walk away next season despite his 2005
heroics.

After finishing 12th last year, Smith has guided the Eels to the
2005 minor premiership and is one win away from a second grand
final in four years.

But Kenny said it was time for new blood in the coach's box.

"It (2005 season) has been a big turnaround after everyone was
talking about getting rid of the coach at the start of the year,"
he said.

"But I've got to admit, I still believe he's been there too
long.

"If he doesn't make the grand final, he (Smith) has proved
nothing."

· Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens says he has no right to be
as confident as St George Illawarra coach Nathan Brown about his
team's chances of winning tonight's first semi-final at Aussie
Stadium.

Asked if he felt he had an advantage because of the gulf in
coaching experience between them, Sheens replied: "No, no, no. I
think it is more about the level of experience you've got in your
team rather than the experience you've got as a coach."

Sheens organised for the Tigers to train at Aussie Stadium
yesterday and enlisted former Newcastle, Cronulla, NSW and
Australian star Matthew Johns to work on kicking. AAP